The Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) is shocked and saddened to learn of the adverse analytical finding of Arnaud Papillon, a cyclist from Longueuil, Québec, as a result of an anti-doping test administered by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) at the 2011 Canadian Road Championships.

John Tolkamp, President of the CCA reacted strongly to the news; "This is not a victimless event; from our athletes to the broad cycling community the repercussions are felt and it tears at our identity. We are more proud of a single fourth place earned by sweat and perseverance than any tainted gold medal and will continue to be vigilant and expect our athletes to uphold themselves to the highest standards."

The CCA is firmly and adamantly opposed to all forms of doping and has taken exceptional measures to monitor, test and educate athletes in the sport. Since April of last year, 392 tests have been conducted on the national pool of cyclists, including blood and urine testing, making it one of the most tested sports in Canada. Of those tests, 229 were out of competition, no notice tests. The last adverse analytical finding in the sport which resulted in a suspension from competition occurred in May of 2005, well over six years ago. Cycling in Canada has taken its anti-doping responsibilities seriously and developed anti-doping initiatives to address it.

Each national team athlete and Canadian Championship participant competes under the 'Race Clean: Own Your Victory / Roulez gagnant au naturel' banner on behalf of Canada. This education program, developed with and by the athletes, has been in the forefront of the national team and Canadian Cycling Championships for the past two years.

Speaking further on behalf of the CCA, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General Greg Mathieu said: "It is unfortunate to learn that an athlete in our sport has chosen to take a short cut to performance. The fact that the rigorous testing regime of the national body with the collaboration of the CCES identified the problem should serve as a reminder to any that would cheat that they will be caught and sanctioned harshly."

Added Mathieu: "We will continue to enhance our efforts to educate around doping in our sport so that all athletes compete on a fair and equal basis. Besides educating our athletes we will continue to work with the UCI, CCES and other partners to improve processes and programs to ensure fair sport."

The Canadian Cycling Association is calling upon Arnaud Papillon to cooperate fully with the CCES in its investigation on the source of the banned substance and the possible involvement of others in this doping matter.

In accordance with the Canadian Anti-doping Policy the CCES has imposed a two-year ban from competition on Arnaud Papillon. He also receives a lifetime ban from receiving Sport Canada funding.

As a result of this finding, the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) has revised the results of the 2011 Canadian Cycling Championships races in which he participated, as well as updated the podium for the U23 category, a race in which Papillon finished second.